McLaughlin steals show

Guernsey U15s 3, Jersey U15s 0

GUERNSEY stormed to victory in the under-15 inter-insular with a win that promises great things for the future of the women's game. A fine team effort, especially after the break, kept the visitors to Foote's Lane at bay. There were moments of individual brilliance from those in green, but it was the combined ability that won the day.

'It could have been more. That's given Guernsey junior hockey real confidence,' said assistant coach Kath Hyman.

'At this age, we don't know what to expect from Jersey. The match experience that our players have gained this season has really paid off; they've had quite a few friendlies and that's helped them play as a team.

'The work-rate was superb; we couldn't fault any of them.

'Hopefully, it will give them confidence now to go off and play with a team in the women's league.'

Hannah McLaughlin had a great game in midfield. She is right out of the mould of coach Hyman - tall, a great reach into tackles, committed, keen to get forward. Her two goals, one in each half, were taken with aplomb and fully deserved.

The Sarnians' third, as time ticked away, was another confident strike: this time Georgia Smith finding the net to send the crowd gathered right along the clubhouse balcony absolutely wild.

Among that noisy throng were her parents, Glyn and Julie, and footballing brother Ollie, thankfully back in Guernsey and recovering well after his ordeal in Southampton.

All had plenty to cheer as Guernsey could have won by even more. The greens piled forward in the second half, so much that goalkeeper Trudy Pye was reduced to the role of spectator. Sweeper Sophie Warren had to make only three tackles of note as Jersey's attacking options were stifled.

The visitors' Becky Slater showed plenty of stick skills in midfield and was always keen to take on her opponents, but without support, that was not enough. Guernsey worked so hard to follow up one challenge with another that Slater was eventually dispossessed far from goal.

McLaughlin and Katie Robinson regularly doubled up on Slater, stealing the ball and feeding the forwards who attacked with a confidence that deserved reward.

Greta Raath scared Jersey all match. On the right wing she would receive the ball and set off at pace, jinking past opponents and running with a directness that was always likely to win free-hits, short corners or lead to goals.